Multi-celled article carriers



Jan. 21, 1958 w. A. RINGLER MULTL-CELLED ARTICLE CARRIERS 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 29, 1955 INVENTOR. William A. Rz'ngler Y (254 J W ATTORNEY Jan. 21, 1958 w. A. RINGLER 2,820,572-

MULTI-CELLED ARTICLE CARRIERS Filed Aug. 29, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. William A. Ringler A TTOR/VEY Jan. 21, 1958 W. A. RINGLER MULTI-CELLED ARTICLE CARRIERS Filed Aug. 29, 1955 1 a8 38 lg I 3,v,. .1L

4 Sheets-Sheet 3 I IN V EN TOR.

3/ William A/Pingler W. A. RINGLER MULTI-CELLED ARTICLE CARRIERS Jan. 21, 195 s 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 29, 1955 INVENTOR. William A. Ringler BY m J Mn.)

A TTORNEY llnited rates haircut MULTI-CELLED ARTIQLE CAREERS William A. Ringler, Wayne, Pa., assignor, by mesne assignments, to The Diamond Match Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware This invention relates to multi-celled article carriers formed from relatively tough and strong stock sheet material such as paperboard or fiberboard, and designed to permit fiat collapse thereof for economical shipment and storage and convenient erection for article filling and transportation. This application is a continuation-inpart of my copending application Serial No. 457,426 filed September 21, 1954.

Article carriers constructed in accordance with this invention have twin compartments separated by a strong and sturdy backbone structure which embraces a multiply handle part and a center partition which extend the full length of the carrier and having the lower edge thereof substantially adjacent the erected bottom panel. Each of the twin compartments is provided with six article receiving cells particularly designed to receive beverage bottles. The article receiving cells of each compartment are defined by six cross partitions in the form of sturdy cross partition straps whose upper ends are integrally hinged to adjacent'handle sections forming a part of the backbone structure and whose lower ends are integrally hinged to connecting bands which are secured to the inside face of the adjacent side panel.

An additional feature of this invention is the provision of six cell defining cross partition straps in each of the twin compartments and wherein the intermediate or third and fourth cross partition straps are relatively closely spaced and separated for a distance which approximates the normal thickness of the transverse dividing wall of standard cases commonly used in the transportation and delivery of bottled beverages. Thus the overall length of the carriers as erected permits snug nesting of two such twelve-bottle carriers within the standard case when the dividing wall thereof has been removed.

This invention also embraces an improved one-piece carrier forming blank which includes a collapsible bottom panel, side panels integrally hinged to the opposite side edges of the bottom panel, and a wing integrally hinged to each end of both side panels, each wing embracing an end panel section and a main end extension. A pair of intermediate end extensions are captured from otherwise wasted stock-sheet material between the adjacent main end extensions, thereby providing a total of three end extensions at each end of the blank. Two of the end extensions at each end of the blank provide two pairs of skeleton panels from which the inclined cross partition straps are captured, and the remaining pair of end extensions provide a pair of center partition panels which serve to separate the cells of the twin compartments. A pair of outer handle forming sections are hinged at one end thereof to the adjacent edge of two of the main end extensions and are captured from otherwise wasted stock sheet material above the side panels and the adjacent end panel sections.

The one-piece article carrier forming blanks of this invention are designed to be fully scored and cut in a single pass through a high speed scoring and cutting machine, and with little resultant waste, from selected stock EQQ sheet material previously finished, printed and decorated on one side thereof only. These blanks are also so cut and formed as to permit high speed gluing and folding assembly thereof into collapsed article carriers in a single pass of the blanks through a substantially standard gluing and folding machine.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent as the disclosure proceeds.

Although the characteristic features of this invention Will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself, and the manner in which it may be carried out, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, in which Fig. l is a plan view of the blank from which the twelve-cell article carrier is formed, this view showing adhesive applied to certain areas of the blank preparatory to executing the first folding operation thereon;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the blank shown in Fig. 1 as it would appear after the execution of the first folding operation thereon, and wherein the two skeleton panels and the intermediate center partition panel at one end of the blank have been folded laterally in overlying relation to the outer handle forming sections, the adjacent end panel sections, the side panels and the bottom panel, and wherein the intermediate skeleton panel at the other end of the blank has been upfolded in overlying relation to the adjacent center partition panel to which it is hinged; this view also showing adhesive applied to furtherareas of the blank preparatory to executing the following folding operation;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the blank shown in Fig. 2 as it would appear after execution of the second folding operation and wherein the end wings at the opposite end of the blank have been folded laterally in overlying relation to the side panels and outer handle forming sections to thereby complete the collapsed assembly of the cross partitions; this view also showing adhesive applied to further areas of the blank preparatory to executing the following folding operation;

Fig. 4 is a plan View of the blank shown in Fig. 3 as it would appear after the first center partition panel has been upfolded in overlying relation to the skeleton panel to which it is hinged, this view also showing adhesive applied to further areas of the blank preparatory to executing the next folding operation;

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the carrier as it would appear after the fourth folding operation has been performed on the blank shown in Fig. 4 to thereby substantially complete the formation of the carrier in collapsed form;

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the substantially assembled carrier shown in Fig. 5 and as it would appear after the handle edging flap has been downfolded to thereby complete the carrier in collapsed form;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the completed carrier as it would appear when fully erected;

Fig. 8 is a vertical section taken transversely of the erected carrier as it would appear when View along line 8-S of Fig. 7; and

Fig. 9 is a horizontal section of the erected carrier as it would appear when viewed along the horizontal plane 9 of Fig. 8.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings and the specification.

The carrier forming blank as shown in Fig. 1 presents a pair of bottom panel sections lft of appropriate length to support six articles or bottles in two aligned rows, with the third and fourth bottle of each row separated for a distance which approximates the thickness of the transverse dividing wall of the standard shipping case. The bottom panel sections 1l are foldably connected along a bottom collapsing score 31 which extends medially of the bottom panel. Side panels 2-2 are integrally hinged to the opposite side edges of the bottom panel sections 1-1 along parallel extending scores 32-32, the side panels 2-2' having approximately the same length as the bottom panel.

A pair of spaced end wings extend from one end of the blank as shown in Fig. 1 and comprise a pair of end panel sections 3-3 integrally hinged to the adjacent end edges of the side panels 2-2 along aligned transverse scores 33-33, and a pair of skeleton panels 5-5 integrally hinged along aligned transverse scores 35-35 to the adjacent end panel sections 3-3. mediate wing which provides a center panel 7 is captured from otherwise wasted stock sheet material be-- tween the skeleton panels 5-5; and is integrally hinged to a portion of the lower edge of the skeleton panel 5 along a horizontal score 37 which is substantially in alignment with the side panel hinging score 32.

A pair of spaced end wings also extend from the opposite end of the blank as shown in Fig. l and comprise a pair of end panel sections 4-4 integrally hinged to the adjacent end edges of the side panels 2-2 along aligned transverse scores 34-34. A center partition panel 8 is integrally hinged by a transverse score 36 to the adjacent end panel section 4, and a skeleton panel 6' is integrally hinged to the adjacent end panel section 4 along the transverse score 36' which 'is substantially in alignment with the transverse score 36. A companion skeletonpanel 6 is captured from otherwise waste stock sheet material between the center partition section 8 and the adjacent skeleton panel 6, and is hinged to a portion of the lower edge of the center partition section 8 along a longitudinal score 38 which is substantially in alignment with the side panel hinging score 32.

The multi-ply handle part for the carrier is formed by a series of overlapping sections which includes a pair of outer handle-forming sections 9-9 which have a length approximately equal to the adjacent side panels 2-2, and are each provided with a hand-hold cut-out 10 in the mid area thereof. To provide a finished top edge for the handle part, a handle edging flap 60 may be provided which is hinged as by longitudinally extending score 61 to the upper horizontal edge of the outer handle forming section 9 for the full length thereof. The handle edging flap 60 is also provided with a hand-hole cut-out 10 which falls into registry with the hand-hole cut-outs 10 in the outer handle forming section 9-9 when the blank is assembled into carrier form. The hand-hold cut-out 10 in the handle edging flap 60 may be provided with a hand grip edging flap l hinged thereto as by score 10". The outer handle forming sections 9-9 are integrally hinged at one end thereof to the upper portion of the adjacent skeleton panels -5 along scored extensions 35" which are substantially aligned continuations of the transversely aligned scores 35-35. The lower ends of the outer handle sections 9-9 are separated as byline cut from the adjacent inclined upper edges 3" of the adjacent end panel sections 3-3.

The lower end of the outer handle forming section 9 has a saw-toothed contour which defines substantially triangular shaped reinforming tabs a, 9b, 9c, 9e, 9 and g of generally similar size and shape, with a miniature triangular shaped reinforcing tab 9d positioned between the larger reinforcing tabs 9c and 92. The outer handle forming section 9' is substantially the same length as the outer handle forming section 9 and also presents a sawtoothed bottom edge which defines a series of substantially triangular shaped reinforcing tabs 9a, 9b, 9c, 9e

and 9f generally similar size and shape, with a minia ture reinforcing tab 9:! positioned between the larger reinforcing tabs 91: and 9e. The outer handle forming section 9' terminates in a curtailed reinforcing tab 9g to provide for an inclined strap forming portion 24f which extends diagonally from and is hinged to a side;

An inter- 4 wall liner tab 22. The side wall liner tab 22' is in turn integrally hinged as by longitudinally extending score 22" to the adjacent upper edge of the side panel 2'. The purpose of the inclined strap forming portion 241' will be more fully explained hereafter.

The side panel 2 has a substantially straight upper edge 2" for the full length thereof, and the adjacent end panel section 4 has an inclined upper edge 4" to symmetrically correspond with the inclined upper edge 3" of the opposite end panel section 3. The blunted ends of certain of the reinforcing tabs 9b, 9c, 9e, 9 and 9g may be initially connected to the upper edge 2" of the side panel 2 by connecting necks 9" to temporarily retain the outer handle forming section 9 in fiat position during folding assembly of the blank into carrier form. The side panel 2' is also provided with a straight upper edge 2" except where the side wall liner tab 22 is hinged thereto, and certain of the reinforcing tabs 9b, 9e and 9f may be initially secured by connecting necks 9" to the upper edge 2" of the side panel 2' to thereby temporarily retain the outer handle forming section 9 in flat position and thus facilitate folding assembly of the-blank in carrier form. The end panel section 4' is also provided with an inclined upper edge 4 in contour conforrnity with the upper edge 3" the opposite end panel section 3'.

The skeleton panel 5 which is integrally hinged to the adjacent end panel section 3 and outer handle forming section 9 by the transverse score 35 and score extension 35', embraces a handle core section 11 which has a laterally projecting core strap 19 defining athand-hole-cutout 10 therebelow. The handle core section 11, has a leg extension 11a which is integrally hinged as by the trans verse score 35 to the adjacent end panel section 3 for substantially the full height thereof. Three, cross partition forming straps 13a, 13b and 130 are respectively hinged by spaced vertically extending scores 41 to a vertical side edge of the leg extension 11a and to triangular shaped hinging tabs 11b and projecting downwardly from the handle core section 11. The handle core section 11 also has a miniature overhanging tab lid to which no cross partition strap is hinged.

The cross partition'straps 13a, 13b and are inte-' grally'hinged at the lower ends thereof by spaced vertically extending scores 43 to hinging tabs 15a, 15b and integral with and projecting upwardly from a connecting band 15. The lower edge of the cross partition strap 13a and adjacent hinging tab 15a is separated from a foot portion 17 projecting laterally from the leg extension 11a by an inclined cut 45a. A similar inclined cut 455 separates the cross partition strap 13a and its upwardly projecting hinging tab 15a from the downwardly projecting hinging tab llband the adjacent cross partition strap 1315. A similar inclined cut 450 separates the top edge of the cross partition strap 13b and its associated upwardly pro-v jecting hinging tab 15b from the adjacent downwardly projecting hinging tab 11c and the adjacent cross partition strap 130. An inclined cut 45d separates the cross partition strap 130 from the adjacent miniature overhang tab 11d and also defines the upper edge of the cross partition strap 13c and the upper edge of the upwardly extending hinging tab 150. The center partit on panel 7 is hinged by the longitudinally extending score 37 to the lower edge of the foot extension 17 but is otherwise separated from the lower edge of the connecting band 15. The handle core section 11, leg extension 11a and foot extension 17 form parts of the longitudinally extending backbone structure of the carrier as assembled.

The adjacent skeleton panel 5' also presents a handle core section 11 having a leg extension 11a which is hinged by transverse score 35 to the adjacent end panel section 3" for substantially the full height thereof. The

leg extension 11a may be of substantially uniformwidth of. three cross partitionstraps 13a, 13b"and 13c'- are respectively hinged as by spaced vertically extending scores 41' to the leg extension 11a, and the adjacent hinging tabs 11b. and'llc' projecting downwardly from the handle core section 11'. The handle core section 11' also has a core strap 19' which defines a hand-hole cut-out 10, and is provided with a miniature overhang tab 11d to which no cross partition strap is hinged.

The lower ends of the cross partition straps 13a, 13b and 13c are respectively hinged by vertically extending scores 43' to hinging tabs 15a, 15b and 15a integral with and projecting upwardly from a connecting band 15'. The lower edge of the cross partition strap 13a and its associated hinging tab 15a is defined by an inclined edge a which may be wholly separated from the adjacent leg extension 11a by a cut-out portion to waste. The upper edge of the cross partition strap 13a and its associated hinging tab 15a is defined by an inclined cut 45b which is substantially parallel to theinclined edge 45a and also defines the lower edge of the downwardly projecting hinging tab 11b and its associated cross partition strap 13b. The upper edge of the cross partition strap 13b and the upper edge of its associated hinging tab 15b is defined by a cut 450' extending substantially parallel to the cut 45b and thus also defines the lower edge of the cross partition strap 13c and its associated downwardly projecting hinging tab lie. The upper edge of the inclined cross partition strap 130 is separated from the miniature overhang tab 11d by an inclined cut 45a which also defines the upper edge of the upwardly projecting hinging tab 150. The handle core section 11' and associated leg extension 11a also form parts of the longitudinally extending backbone structure of the assembled carrier.

It will thus be seen that the skeleton panel 5 and 5' each provide three cross partition straps for each of the two carrier compartments, and are generally similar in form, with the exception that the leg extension 11a of the skeleton panel 5 is provided with a foot extension 17 to which the center partition panel 7 is hinged, and that the cross strap 19 of the skeleton panel 5 is preferably of slightly longer length than the cross strap 19' of the skeleton panel 5' to provide for joint overlap which strengthens the hand grip core.

At the opposite end of the blank as shown in Fig. 1 an nnscored and unbroken center partition panel 8 is provided which has a longitudinal length preferably greater than the longitudinal length of three adjacent cells. The panel 8 has a handle core section 8' which is com plementary to the handle core section 11 of skeleton panel 5 so as to provide therewith a hand hole cut out It and a mitered edge 8'' designed to match the mitered edge 19" of the hand grip cross strap 19. The center partition panel 8 has a skeleton panel 6 hinged to a substantial portion of its lower edge along a longitudinal score 33 which may be substantially in alignment with the longitudinal score 32. The center partition panel 8 also has a free bottom edge portion 38' adjacent the transverse score 36 whose longitudinal length is approximately equal to the longitudinal length of a single cell. The free bottom edge portion 38 may be provided with a locking book 38" designed to engage a notch 31 in the adjacent end edge of the bottom panel 1-1' when the blank is assembled into carrier form.

The skeleton panel 6 is designed to be folded in overlying relation to the center partition panel 8 and when expanded provides three cells for one of the carrier compartments. The skeleton panel 6 has a handle core section 12 extending along the free longitudinal edge thereof and has a leg extension 12d extending along the free vertical edge thereof which flares into a laterally extending foot portion 18 hinged by the longitudinal extending score 38 to the center partition panel 8. Three cross partition forming straps 14d, 14c and 14 are respectively hinged by-spaced vertical extending scores 42 to a vertical side edge of the leg extension 12d and two triangular shaped tabs l2e and 12f projecting downwardly from the handle core section 12.

Two of the cross partition straps 14d and 14e are in' tegrally hinged at'the lower ends thereof by spaced vertical extending scores 44 to hinging tabs 16d and 16eintegral with and projecting upwardly from a connecting band 16. The lower end of the third cross partition strap 14 is hinged by vertical extending score 44 to a side wall liner tab 161 which may be independent of the connecting band 16. The lower edge of the cross partition strap 14d, hinging tab 16d and connecting band 16 is separated from the foot portion 18 by an inclined cut 46d. A parallel extending cut 46e'separates the upper edge of the cross partition strap 14d and its upwardly projecting hinging tab 16d from the adjacent downwardly projecting hinging tab l2e and the adjacent cross partition strap 142. A similar inclined cut 46 separates the top edge of the cross partition strap 14e and its associated upwardly projecting hinging tab 16:: from the adjacent downwardly projecting hinging tab 12 and adjacent cross partition strap 14 The side wall liner tab 16] to which the lower end of the cross partition strap 14 is hinged is captured from waste material extending betweentthe lower ends of the end panel sections 44' and is designed for securement to the inside face of the side panel 2. The connecting band 16 and its associated upwardly projecting tabs 16d and 162 are also designed for securement to the inside face of the side panel 2, and the handle core section 12 and its associated downwardly projecting hinging tabs l2e and 12f and the leg extension 12d and associated foot portion 18 are designed for securement in overlying relation to the center partition panel 8, to thereby provide additional reinforcing parts for the longitudinal backbone structure of the assembled carrier. The skeleton panel 6 also provides three inclined cross partition straps 14d, 142 and 14 which taken together with the three cross partition straps 13a, 13band associated with the skeleton panel 5, provide a total of six cross partition straps for one of the twin carrier compartments.

The skeleton panel 6 which is hinged to the adjacent end panel section 4' along the transverse score 36', also embraces a handle core section 12' having a hand grip core strap 20' whose mitered end edge 20 is designed to interfit the mitered end edge 19" of the core strap 19' associated with the complementary skeleton panel 5 when the blank is assembled into carrier form. The core strap 20 also defines a hand hole cut-out 10 which is complementary to the hand hole cut-out 10 formed in the skeleton panel 5'. A series of two cross partition straps 14d and 142 and a third cross partition strap portion 14 are respectively hinged as by spaced vertical extending scores 42' to a leg extension 12d and to triangular shaped tabs 12e and 12 extending downwardly from the handle core section 12'. The handle core section 12' also has a downwardly extending triangular tab 12g which in turn has a downwardly extending leg' extension 13 which terminates in a laterally flared foot portion 18". The triangular tab portion 12g and its associated leg extension 18' and foot portion 18" are integrally hinged as by the transverse score 36 to the adjacent end panel section 4', and is completely separated from the cross partition strap portion 14 by the inclined cuts 46g and 46f and the joining vertical cut 46g? as shown in Fig. 1.

The lower ends of the cross partition straps 14d and 142 are respectively hinged by spaced vertically extending scores 44 to hinging tabs 16d and 16e' integral with and projecting upwardly from a connecting band 16".

The laterally projecting foot portion 18" is separated from the upwardly projecting tab 162 and its associated connecting band 16' by a vertical cut 44". The inclined lower edge 46d of the cross partition strap 14d and its assure associatedupperhinging tab 1'2df, lower hinging'tab 16d. and connecting band 16' are completely separated from: the adjacent skeleton panel 6 as shown in Fig. 1. The upper edge of the cross partition strap 14d and its associated lowerhinging tab 16d is defined by an inclined cut 46e which is substantially parallel to the inclined edge 46d and also defines theilower edge of the downwardly projecting hinging tab He and its associated cross partition strap 14e. The upper edge of the cross partition strap Me and its associated lower hinging tab 16e7 is defined by a cut 46 extending parallel to the cut 46c and which also defines. the lower edge of the cross partition strap portion 14 and the inclined upper edge of the foot portion 18". Theupper edge of the inclined cross partition strap portion 14f is defined by an inclined-cut 46g extending parallel to the inclined cut 46f. The inclinedicuts 46g. and 46f? and the vertical connecting cut 46g" also separate the cross partition strap portion 14 from thetIiangular, tab 12gand its associated downwardly extending leg extension 18 and foot portion 18" which are integral with the handle core section 12' and form parts of the longitudinal backbone structure of the assembled carrier. The lower end of the foot portion 18" is;-completely separated from the adjacent skeleton panel 6 ,and is provided with a. locking hook 38 designed to interlock: with the notch 31" formed in the adjacent end of the bottom panel 1-1" when the blank is assembled into carrier form.

It will be noted that the cross partition strap portion 14f isintegrally hinged as by vertical score 42 at its upper end only, and is of less length than that required to provide a complete cross partition strap. However,

when the side wall liner tab 22 as shown in Fig. 1 is down-folded and secured to the inside face of the adjacent side panel 2' during progressive. assembly of the blank into carrier form, its projecting tab portion 24 becomes adhesively secured in aligned relation to the cross partition strap portion 14f to provide a composite cross partition strap which is integrally hinged at its lower end as by score 44' to the side wall liner tab 22' and is integrally hinged at its upper end' as by vertical score 42 to the downwardly projecting hinging tab 12f of the handle core section 12'. 'The skeleton panel 6' taken in conjunction with the side wall liner. tab 22 and its associated hinging tab extension 24f thus provides three complete cross partition straps which are complementary to the three cross partition strapslSaf, 13b and 13c associated with the skeleton panel to thus pro vide a total of six cross partition straps defining six 7 "article or bottle receiving cells for the second twin compartment of the assembled carrier.

In assembling the prepared blank as shown in Fig. 1 to provide the collapsed carrier as shown in Fig. 6, adhesive patches h, i, h, i, k and j are applied to certain areas of the skeleton panels 5, 5', 6 and 6 and to the side wall liner tab 22'. The adhesive patch h applied to the skeleton panel 5 covers the inside face of the handle core section 11 and its core strap 19, and that portion of its leg extension 11a and hinging tabs 11b and 110 and overhang tab 11d which are to overlap corresponding areas of the outer handle forming section 9. In addition, the

adhesive patch i is applied to the inside face of the connecting band 15 and its associated hinging tabs 15a, 15b and 150, care being taken to apply no adhesive to the cross partition straps 13a, 13b and 13c, or to that part of the leg extension 11a and foot extension 17 subsequently folded to overlie the end panel section 3 and side panel 2.

A somewhat similar adhesive patch h is applied to the skeleton panel 5' to cover its handle core section 11', core strap 19 and the upper portion of its leg extension Ilia-hinging tabs 11b" and and overhang tab 11d which: are to cover corresponding areas of the outer handle forming section 9'. An adhesive patch i is also applied to the connecting band 15' and its upwardly, ex-

tendinghinging tabs 15a 15b and 15c','care being taken to apply no adhesive to the cross partition straps 13a',

13b and 13 c'or to that part of the leg extension 11a which will subsequently; overlie the inside face of the end panel section 3' and side panel 3.

An adhesive patch k is applied to the skeleton panel 6 at the other end of theblank to cover the handle core section 12, its leg extension 12b and associated foot portion 18, and also its hinge tabs 12c and 12 care being taken to apply no adhesive to the associated cross partition straps 14d, 14e and 14 or to the connecting band 16 and to associated hinge tabs 16d and 16e or to the hinge tab 16f. An adhesive patch i is also applied to the inside face of the side wall liner tab 22, care being taken to apply no adhesive to its tab extension 14f at this point.

When been applied to the inside face of the carrier blank as above indicated and illustrated in Fig.. 1, the skelecton panels 5 and 5 are folded laterally along the aligned transverse-scores 3535 and into overlying relation with the adjacent end panel sections 33, side panels 22' and outer handle forming sections 9-9'. As thus folded, the skeleton panel 5 will have its handle core section 11, core strap 19, the upper portion of its leg extension 11a, hinging tabs 11b and 110, and overhang tab 11d adhesively secured to the inside face of the upper handle forming section 9 as indicated in Fig. 2. The connecting band 15 and its associated hinging tabs 15a, 15b and 15c will also become adhesively. secured to the inside face of the. side panel 2, leaving its leg extension 11a and associated foot extension 17 in overlying but unsecured relation to the adjacent, end panel section 3 and side panel 2, and leaving the cross partition straps 13a,V13b and unsecured to the side panel 2. This simple folding operation completes the assembly of these three cross partition straps.

Lateral folding of the skeleton panel 5' as shown in Fig. 2 places its handle core section 11', associated core strap 19', the upper portion of its leg extension 11a, hinging tabs 11a, 11b and 11c and overhang tab 11d in adhesively secured relation to corresponding areas of the outer handle forming section 9'. In this same operation, the connecting band 15' and its associated hinging tabs 15a, 15b and will become adhesively secured to the inside face of the side panel 2', leaving the cross partition straps 13a, 13b and 13c otherwise unsecured to the side panel 2. That portion 11a of the leg extension 11 which is folded to overlie the adjacent end panel section 3' is not secured thereto.

The skeleton panel 6 is upwardly folded along hinging score 38 to overlie the center partition panel 8 as shown in Fig. 2. By this operation, the handle core section 12, hinge tabs 12c and 12 leg extension 12d and associated foot extension 18 become adhesively secured to the inside face of the, centerpartition panel 8. The cross partition straps 14d, 14c and 14 the connecting band 16 and associated hinging tabs 16d and 16e, and the hinging tab 16) remaining unsecured to the adjacent underlying center partition panel 8 and adjacent end panel section 4. In substantially the same operation, the side wall liner tab 22'. is upfolded and infolded along the hinging score 22' to overlie the adjacent portion of the inside face of the side panel 2', the hinge tab extension 24f remaining unsecured thereto. When the glued blank as shown in Fig. 1 has thus been folded, 'it will appear as shown in I Fig. 2.

In the following gluing operation, and adhesive patch m is applied to the handle core section 8' of the center the adhesive patches h, i, h, i', j and k have o is also applied to the connecting band 16, to its associated hinging tabs 16d and 16e, and to the hinging tab 16 of the skeleton panel 6, as shown in Fig. 2. The skeleton panel 6' receives an adhesive patch n which covers the inside face of its handle core section 12', core strap 20, and associated hinging tabs 12a", 12a and 127". In addition, an adhesive patch is applied to the inside face of the connection band 16' and its associated hinging tabs 16d and 16s. An adhesive patch q is also applied to that area of the cross partition strap portion 14 which is to overlap the hinging tab extension 24f of the side wall liner tab 22, as shown in Fig. 2.

The end panel sections 4-4 are then folded laterally along the aligned transverse scores lid-34 so as to place the skeleton panel 6 and associated center partition panel 8 in overlying relation to the side panel 2 and adjacent portion of the outer handle forming section 9, and to also place the skeleton panel 6' in overlying relation to the inside face of the side panel 2' and adjacent portion of the outer handle forming section 9, as shown in Fig. 3. When thus folded, the adhesive patch m secures the handle core section 8 of the center partition panel 8, and also the handle core section 12 and associated hinging tabs 12:: and 12 of the overlying skeleton panel 6, in adhesively secured relation to the inside face of the outer handle forming section 9, as shown in Fig. 3. This same folding operation also secures the handle core section 12, core strap 20', and associated hinging tabs 12d, 122' and 12]" to those areas of the outer handle forming section 9 which underlie the same. In addition, the connecting band 16 and associated hinging tabs 16d and 162 and also the hinging tab 16f of the skelton panel 6 become adhesively secured to the inside face of the side panel 2 to thereby complete the assembly of the six cross partition straps for one of the twin compartments of the carrier. Additionally, the connecting band 16 and associated hinging tabs 16d and 16a become adhesively secured to the inside face of the side panel 2'. The cross partition strap portion 14f also becomes adhesively secured to the hinging tab extension 24f which is hinged to the downfolded side wall liner tab 22' previously secured to the inside face of the side panel 2'. When this folding operation has been completed, the six cross partition straps for the second twin compartment of the carrier are fully assembled in collapsed form. The blank shown in Fig. 2 when thus folded will then appear as shown in Fig. 3.

As shown in Fig. 3, an adhesive patch r is then applied to that area of the infolded center partition panel 8 which is to be covered by a portion of the center partition divider panel 7 when upfolded. An adhesive patch .9 is also applied to those areas of the leg extension 11a, foot extension 17 and hinging tabs 11]) and 110 which will also be covered by the center partition divider panel 7 when upfolded. Care must be taken to apply no adhesive to the exposed faces of the cross partition straps 13a and 13b and their associated hinging tabs 15a and 1512.

In the following folding operation, the center partition divider panel 7 as shown in Fig. 3 is upfolded and downfolded along the longitudinal hinging score 37 so as to place the same in adhesively secured relation to the companion center partition panel 8 and the leg extension 11a, foot extension 17 and hinging tabs 11b and He of the underlying skeleton panel 5, thereby advancing the blank assembly to the stage shown in Fig. 4.

In the following gluing operation, adhesive patch it is applied to the previously infolded skeleton panel 6 to thereby cover its handle core section 12 and core strap 2%) and to also cover its strap hinging tabs 12d, 12s and 12 its triangular tab 12g, leg extension 13 and foot extension 18", as shown in Fig. 4. Care should be taken to apply no adhesive to the two cross partition straps 14d and 14a and the cross partition strap portions 14f and 24 nor to the connecting band 16 and the hinging tabs 16d and 16a thereof. The infolded complementary 1G skeleton panel 5' also receives an adhesive patch v which covers its handle core section 11', core strap 19', leg extension 11a, and the exposed faces of its hinging tabs 11b and care being taken to apply no adhesive to its cross partition straps 13a, 13b and or connecting band 15' or associated hinging tabs 15a, 15b and When the adhesive patches u and v have thus been applied, the glued blank will appear as shown in Fig. 4.

In the next folding operation, the substantially assembled blank as shown in Fig. 4 is folded about its longitudinally extending bottom collapsing score 31 as shown in Fig. 5 so as to place the glued areas 11 and v of the skeleton panels 6 and 5' in adhesively secured relation to the underlying cernter partition panel 8, companion center partition divider panel 7, the handle core portion 8, handle core section 11 and the exposed associated core strap 1? of the skeleton panel 5. As thus folded,

and secured, the blank will be substantially assembled in the form of a collapsed carrier as shown in Fig. 5.

In the final gluing and folding operation, an adhesive patch y is applied to the inside face of the handle edging flap 16, and the handle edging flap 16 is then downfolded along the longitudinal score 61 into overlying and glued relation to the outside face of the adjacent upper handle forming section 9', thereby completing the assembly of the collapsed carrier as shown in Fig. 6.

The collapsed carrier as shown in Fig. 6 may be readily expanded into fully erected form by applying inward pressure against the ends of the collapsed carrier and thereupon applying the paired locking hooks 38" to the locking notch 31 at adjacent end of the erected bottom panel 1-1'. The carrier as thus erected provides six cells in each of the twin compartments of approximately equal article receiving dimension as shown in Figs. 7 and 9. It will be noted that the intermediate paired cross partition straps 13c and 14d in one compartment and the cross partition straps 13c and 14d in the other compartment, are relatively closely spaced in accordance with the thickness of the transverse wall of the transportation case in which the carrier is to be nested.

The backbone structure of the carrier is composed of a multiplicity of parts which have been glued together during assembly into a composite whole. The handle part of the backbone structure will be substantially five-ply thickness as formed by the outer handle forming sections 99', downfolded edging flap 60, and the complementary handle core sections 118' and 1112'. The center partition extends substantially down to the bottom panel for the full length of the carrier, and is rigidly associated and adhesively bonded to the five-ply handle part. The full length and full height center partition is compositely formed by the center partition panel 8 which partly overlaps and is glued to the center partition divider panel 7, by the leg extensions 11.a--11a and foot extension 17, by the leg extension 12d and foot extension 18, and by the leg extension 18 and foot extension 18". A rigid center partition and handle part are thus integrated into a backbone structure of very great strength.

It will be further noted that the upper tabs to which the cross partition straps are integrally hinged, are substantially reinforced by the overlapping reinforcing tabs 9a, 9b, S c, 9d, 92, 9;, 9g of the outer handle forming section 9, and by the reinforcing tabs 90', 9b, 9c, 9d, 92', 9 and 9g associated with the outer handle forming section 9. These reinforcements greatly reduce the possibility of rupturing the cross partition straps at their upper hinging joints where the strain is greatest. The lower ends of the cross partition straps are integrally hinged to upwardly projecting tabs associated with the connecting bands 15, 15, and 16 and i6, and these bands are adhesively secured to the inside face of the adjacent side panel 2-2 to thereby also stiffen and strengthen the side panels.

Carriers constructed in accordance with this invention can berepeatedly used in the transportation delivery of twelve relatively heavy articles or bottles, and finds particular use in the consumer transportation of beverage bottles which are returned when empty. These improved twelve bottle carriers can be economically manufactured and assembled at relatively low cost, with a minimum of stock sheet waste, and its greates sturdiness insures its con tinued use through many delivery and return trips, notwithstanding the rigorous conditions to which returnable bottle carriers are subjected by consumer customers.

While certain novel features of this invention have been disclosed herein and are pointed out in the claims, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departure from the spirit of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A collapsible multi-cell twin compartmented article carrier formed from a single blank of sheet material including, a bottom panel having a medial collapsing score extending longitudinally of the carrier, a pair of side panels integrally hinged to the opposite side edges of the bottom panel, a pair of end panel sections at each end of the carrier integrally hinged to the adjacent end edges of the side panels, a skeleton panel foldably connected to each of three of said end panel sections and extending inwardly and longitudinally of the carrier, a center partition panel foldably connected to the fourth end panel section, a fourth skeleton panel foldably connected to a lower edge portion of said center partition panel and upfolded in overlying relation thereto, each of said four skeleton panels including a handle core section, a plurality of spaced hinging segments extending downwardly from the handle core section, a plurality of inclined cross partition straps each integrally hinged at the upper end thereof by a vertically extending score to the adjacent hinging segment, and means for foldably securing the lower ends of said cross partition straps to the inside face of the adjacent side panel, and a pair of outerhandle forming sections extending substantially the full length of the carrier and secured in overlapping relation to the handle core sections of said skeleton panels.

2. A collapsible multi-cell twin-compartmented article carrier formed from a single blank sheet material including, a bottom panel having a medial collapsing score extending longitudinally of the carrier, a pair of side panels integrally hinged to the opposite side edges of the bottom panel, a pair of end panel sections at each end of the carrier integrally hinged to the adjacent end edges of the side panels, a skeleton panel foldably connected to each of three of said end panel sections and extending inwardlyv and longitudinally of the carrier, a first center partition panel at one end of the carrier foldably connected to the fourth end panel section, a fourth skeleton panel foldably connected to a lower edge portion of said first center partition panel and upfolded in overlying relation thereto, each of said four skeleton panels including a handle core sections, a leg extension and a hinging segment extending downwardly from the handle core section, inclined cross partition straps respectively hinged at the upper ends thereof by a vertically extending score to the adjacent leg extension and hinging segment, and means for foldably securing the lower ends of said cross partition straps to the inside face of the adjacent side panel, a second center partition panel at the other end of the carrier foldably connected to the lower edge of the leg extension of one of the adjacent skeleton panels and upfolded in overlying relation thereto, said first and second center partition panels being panels secured together in overlapping relation and extending longitudinally of the carrier, and a pair of outer handle forming sections extending substantially the full length of the carrier and secured in overlappingrelation to the adjacent handle core sections of said skeleton panels. v a

3. A collapsible'multi-cell twin compartmented article carrier formed from ais'ingle blank of sh'eetmaterial including, .a bottom panel having a medial collapsing score extending longitudinally of the carrier, a pair a of side panels integrally hinged to the opposite side edges of the bottom panel, a pair of end panel sections at each end of the carrier integrally hinged to the adjacent end'edges of the side panels, a skeleton panel foldably connected to each of three of said end panel sections and extending inwardly and longitudinally of the carrier, a first center partition panel at one end of the carrier foldably connected to the fourth end panel section, a fourth skeleton panel foldably connected to a lower edge portion of said first center partition panel and upfolded in overlying relation thereto, each of said four skeleton panels including a handle core section, a leg extension and a plurality of spaced hinging segments extending downwardly from the handle core section, a plurality of inclined cross partition straps respectively hinged at the upper ends threeof by spaced vertically extending scores to the leg extension and hinging segments and a longitudinally extending connecting band secured to the inside face of the adjacent side panel and presenting upwardly extending tab portions integrally hinged along vertical extending scores to the lower ends of the inclined cross partition straps, a second center partition panel at the other end of the carrier foldably connected to the lower edge of the leg extension of one of the adjacent skeleton panels and upfolded in overlying relation thereto, said first and second center partition panels being secured together in overlapping relation and extending longitudinally of the carrier, and a pair of outer handle forming sections extending substantially the full length of the carrier and secured in overlapping relation to the adjacent handle core sections of said skeleton panels.

4. A collapsible multi-cell twin-compartmented article.

carrier formed from a single blank of sheet material in cluding, a bottom panel having a medial collapsing score extending longitudinally of the carrier, a pair of side panels integrally hinged to the opposite side edges of the bottom panel, a pair of end panel sections at each end of the carrier integrally hinged to the adacent end edges of the side panels, a skeleton panel foldably connected to each of three of said end panel sections and extending inwardly and longitudinally of the carrier, each of said three skeleton panels including a handle core section, a leg extension projecting downwardly from the handle core section and integrally hinged to the adjacent end panel section, a hinging segment extending downwardly from the handle core section, inclined cross partition straps respectively hinged at the upper ends thereof by vertically extending scores to the adjacent leg extension and hinging segment, and means for securing the lower ends of said cross partition straps to the inside face of the adjacent side panel, a first center partition panel integrally hinged to the lower end of one of saidleg extensions, a second center partition panel having a handle core section inbeing integrally hinged to a lower edge portion of said' second center partition panel, and a pair of outer handle forming sections secured in overlapped relation to the adjacent handle core sections of at least three of said skeleton panels and the handle core section of said second center partition panel to thereby provide a backbone'structure for the carrier embracing a multi-ply handle partand a composite center partition extending substantiallydown; panel for the full length of the to the erected bottom carrier.

"5; A collapsible multi-cell twin-compartmented article carrier formed from a single blank of sheet material including, a bottom panel having a medial collapsing score extending longitudinally of the carrier, a pair of side panels integrally hinged to the opposite side edges of the bottom panel, a pair of end panel sections at each end of the carrier integrally hinged to the adjacent end edges of the side panels, a skeleton panel foldably connected to each of three of said end panel sections and extending inwardly and longitudinally of the carrier, each of said three skeleton panels including a handle core section, a leg extension projecting downwardly from the handle core section and integrally hinged to the adjacent end panel section, a plurality of spaced hinging segments extending downwardly from the handle core section, inclined cross partition straps respectively hinged at the upper ends thereof by vertically extending scores to the adjacent leg extension and hinging segments, and means for securing the lower ends of said cross partition straps to the inside face of the adjacent side panel, a first center partition panel integrally hinged to the lower end of one of said leg extensions, a second center partition panel having a handle core section integrally hinged to the fourth end panel section, a fourth skeleton panel having a handle core section, a leg extension and a plurality of hinging segments extending downwardly from the handle core section thereof, inclined cross partition straps respectively hinged to the leg extension and hinging segments of said fourth skeleton panel, and means for securing the lower ends of the cross partition straps of said fourth skeleton panel to the inside face of the adjacent side panel, the leg extension of said fourth skeleton panel being integrally hinged to a lower edge portion of said second center partition panel, a pair of outer handle forming sections secured in overlapped relation to the adjacent handle core sections of at least three of said skeleton panels and the handle core section of said second center partition panel, and a handle edging flap integrally hinged to the upper horizontal edge of one of said outer handle forming sections and downfolded into overlapping secured relation to the companion handle forming section, said handle edging flap, outer handle forming sections, handle core sections and leg extensions of said skeleton panels, and said first and second center partition panels together providing a backbone structure for the carrier embracing a multi-ply handle part and a composite center partition extending substantially down to the erected bottom panel for the full length of the carrier.

6. A multi-cell article carrier structure formed from a single blank of sheet material including, a bottom panel, a side panel integrally hinged to a side edge of the bottom panel, an end panel section integrally hinged to each end of said side panel, a pair of complementary skeleton panels integrally hinged to said end panel sections, each of said skeleton panels presenting a handle core section, a leg extension, spaced hinging segments projecting downwardly from the handle core section, and a series of inclined cross partition straps, one of said skeleton panels having its inclined cross partition straps respectively hinged at the upper ends thereof by vertical extending scores to the leg extension and hinging segments projecting downwardly from the handle core section thereof and respectively hinged at their lower ends by vertical extending scores to spaced hinging tabs projecting upwardly from a connecting band secured to the inside face of the adjacent side panel, the second skeleton panel having its inclined cross partition straps respectively hinged at the upper ends thereof by vertically extending scores to the hinging segments projecting downwardly from the handle core section thereof, a connecting band secured to the inside face of the adjacent side panel and presenting upwardly projecting hinging tabs integrally hinged to the lower ends of all but one of said cross partition straps, a side wall liner flap hinged to the upper edge of the side panel and secured in downfolded relation to the inside face thereof, said downfolded liner flap having cross partition strap por- 14- tion integrally hinged'to a side edge thereof and adhesively secured in overlapped relation to said cross partition strap not integrally hinged to the connecting hand of said second skeleton panel, and a handle facing flap integrally hinged at one end thereof to an end edge of one of the adjacent skeleton panels and secured in overlapping relation to the handle core sections of both of said skeleton panels.

7. A multi-cell article carrier structure formed from a single blank of sheet material including, a bottom panel, a side panel integrally hinged to a side edge of the bottom panel, an end panel section integrally hinged to each end of said side panel, a first skeleton panel integrally hinged to one of said end panel sections, a first center partition panel integrally hinged at the lower end thereof to said first skeleton panel, a second center partition panel having a handle core section integrally hinged to the other end panel section, a second skeleton panel integrally hinged to a lower edge portion of said second center partition panel, said first and second skeleton panels each presenting a handle core section, a leg extension and spaced hinge segments extending downwardly from the handle core section thereof, inclined cross partition straps integrally hinged at the upper ends thereof by spaced vertical extending scores to the leg extension and respective hinge segments of the handle core section, and means hingedly securing the lower ends of said cross partition straps to the inside face of the adjacent side panel, said first center partition panel being integrally hinged to the lower end of the leg extension associated with said first skeleton panel and said second center partion panel being integrally hinged to the lower end of the leg extension associated with said second skeleton panel, and a handle facing flap integrally hinged at one end thereof to an end edge of one of said panels and secured in overlapping relation to the handle core sections associated with said first skeleton panel and said second center partition panel.

8. A multi-cell article carrier structure formed from a single blank of sheet material including, a bottom panel, a side panel integrally hinged to a side edge of the bottom panel, an end panel section integrally hinged to each end of said side panel, a first skeleton panel in tegrally hinged to one of said end panel sections, a first center partition panel integrally hinged at the lower end thereof to said first skeleton panel, a second center partition panel having a handle core section integrally hinged to the other end panel section, a second skeleton panel integrally hinged to a lower edge portion of said second center partition panel, said first and second skeleton panels each presenting a handle core section, a leg extension and spaced hinge segments extending downwardly from the handle core section thereof, and inclined cross partition straps integrally hinged at the upper ends thereof by spaced vertical extending scores to the leg extension and respective hinge segments of the handle core section and integrally hinged at the lower ends thereof to hinging tabs secured to the inside face of the adjacent side panel, certain of said hinging tabs being integral with and projecting upwardly from a pair of connecting bands secured to the inside face of the side panel, said first center partition panel being integrally hinged to the lower end of the leg extension associated with said first skeleton panel and said second center partition panel being integrally hinged to the lower end of the leg extension associated with said second skeleton panel, and a handle facing flap integrally hinged at one end thereof to an end edge of one of said panels and secured in overlapping relation to the handle core sections associated with said first skeleton panel and said second center partition panel. I

9. A twelve-cell bottle carrier presenting twin comparttnents each having six inclined cross partition straps defining six bott es receiving cells and a miniature cell defined between the third and fourth cross partition straps, said third and fourth cross partition straps in each compartment being longitudinally spaced for a distance which corresponds to the removed transverse wall of the transportation case in which the carrier is to be transported, said carrier being formed from a single blank of sheet material including a pottom panel, a pair of side panels integrally hinged to the opposite side edges of the bottom panel, a pair of end panel sections at each end of the carrier integrally hinged to the adjacent end edges of the side panels, a skeleton panel foldably connected to each of three of said end panel sections and extending inwardly and longitudinally of the carrier, a first center partition panel foldably connected to the fourth end panel section, a fourth skeleton panel foldably connected to a lower edge portion of said first center partition panel, each of said four skeleton panels including a handle core section and a leg extension extending downwardly from the handle core section, a plurality of inclined cross partition straps integrally hinged at the upper ends thereof to each of said handle core sections, and means for foldably connecting the lower ends of each of said cross partition straps to the inside face of the adjacent side panel, a second center partition panel at the other end of the carrier blank foldably connected to the lower edge of the leg extension of one of the adjacent skeleton panels, said first and second center partition panels being sandwiched between said skeleton panels and providing a composite center partition defining the twin compartments of the carrier, and a pair of outer handle forming sections extending substantially the full length of the carrier and secured in overlapped relation to the adjacent handle core segments to provide a composite plural-ply handle part for the carrier.

10. A twelve-cell bottle carrier presenting twin compartments each having six inclined cross partition straps defining six bottle receiving cells and a miniature cell defined between the third and fourth cross partition straps, said third and fourth cross partition straps in each compartment being longitudinally spaced for a distance which corresponds to the removed transverse wall of the transportation case in which the carrier is to be transported, said carrier being formed from a single blank of sheet material including, a bottom panel having a medial collapsing score extending longitudinally of the carrier, a pair of side panels integrally hinged to the opposite side edges of the bottom panel, a pair of end panel sections at each end of the carrier integrally hinged to the adjacent end edges of the side panels, a skeleton panel foldably connected to each of three of said end panel sections and extending inwardly and longitudinally of the carrier, a first center partition panel foldably connected to the fourth end panel section, a fourth skeleton panel foldably connected to the lower edge portion of said first center partition panel, each of said four skeleton panels including a handle core section and a leg extension extending downwardly from the handle core section, a plurality of inclined cross partition straps integrally hinged at the upper ends thereof to each of said handle core sections, and means for foldably connecting the lower ends of each of said cross partition straps to the inside face of the adjacent side panel, a second center partition panel at the other end of the carrier blank foldably connected to the lower edge of the leg extension of one of the adjacent skeleton panels, said first and second center partition panels being sandwiched between said skeleton panels and providing a composite center partition defining the twin compartments of the carrier which extends substantially down to the erected bottom panel for substantially the full length of the carrier, and a pair of outer handle forming sections extending substantially the full length 'of the carrier and secured'in overlapped relation to theadjacent handlecore segments to provide a cornpositeplural-ply handle part for, the carrier. w

l5 11. A multi-cell twin-compartmented article carrier forming blank having a bottom panel, a pair of side panels integrally hinged to the opposite side edges of the bottom panel, an end panel section integrally hinged to each end edge of both side panels, a skeleton panel integrally hinged-to three of said end panel sections, a center partition panel integrally hinged to said fourth end panel section, and a fourth skeleton panel integrally hinged along a lower edge portion of said center partition panel and captured from material between said center partition panel and the adjacent third skeleton panel, each of said four skeleton panels presenting a handle core section and a series of inclined cross partition straps integrally hinged to the handle core section, and a pair of handle facing flaps having a length substantially equal to said side panels, each of said handle facing flaps being integrally hinged at one'end thereof to the adjacent vertical edge portion of one of said panels.

12. A multi-cell tWin-compartmented article carrier forming blank having a bottom panel, a pair of side panels integrally hinged to the opposite side edges of the bottom panel, an end panel section integrally hinged to each end edge of both side panels, a skeleton panel integrally connected to each of three of said end panelsections, a first center partition panel integrally hinged to said fourth end panel section, a fourth skeleton panel integrally hinged along a lower edge portion of said first center partition panel andcaptured from material between said first center partition panel and adjacent third skeleton panel, asecond center partition panel integrally hinged to the loweredge of the first skeleton panel and captured from material between-the adjacent first andsecond skeleton panels, each of said skeleton panels presenting a handle core section and a series of inclined cross partition straps integrally hinged to the handle core section, and a pair of handle facing flaps having a length substantially equal to said side panels, each of said handle facing flaps being integrally hinged at one end thereof to the adjacent vertical edge portion of one of said panels.

13. A multi-cell twin-compartmented article carrier forming blank which includes, a bottom panel, a pair of side panels integrally hinged to the opposite side edges of the bottom panel, an end panel section integrally hinged to each end edge of both side panels, first and second center partition panels, four skeleton panels each presenting a handle core section, a leg extension projecting downwardly from the handle core section, and a series of inclined cross partition straps integrally hinged to the handle core section, two of said skeleton panels being integrally hinged to two of said end panel sections at one end of the blank, the first center partition panel being integrally hinged to the leg extension of the first skeleton panel and captured from material between the adjacent first and second skeleton panels, the second center partition panel being integrally hinged to said fourth end panel section, said fourth skeleton panel having the leg extension thereof integrally hinged along a lower edge portion of said second center partition panel and captured from material between said second center partition panel and the adjacent third skeleton panel, and a pair of handle facing flaps having a length substantially equal to said side panels, each of said handle facing flaps being integrally hinged at one end thereof to the adjacent vertical edge portion of one of said panels.

14. A multi-cell article carrier forming blankwhich includes a bottom panel, a pair of side panels integrally hinged to the side edges of the bottom panel, an end panel section integrally hinged to each end of said side panels, a skeleton panel integrally hinged to each of three of said end panel sections, a center partition panel foldably connected to the fourth end panel section at one endof the end panel section, spaced hinging segments projecting downwardly from the handle core section, and a series of inclined cross partition straps respectively hinged at the upper ends thereof by vertical extending scores to the leg extension and hinging segments extending downwardly from its handle core section, said fourth skeleton panel having a series of inclined cross partition straps respectively hinged at the upper ends thereof by vertically extending scores to the hinging segments projecting downwardly from its handle core section, and a handle facing flap integrally hinged at one end thereof to an end edge of one of the adjacent skeleton panels and designed to be secured in overlapping relation to the handle core sections of the adjacent skeleton panels when the carrier is assembled.

15. A multi-cell article carrier forming blank which includes a bottom panel, a side panel integrally hinged to a side edge of the bottom panel, an end panel section integrally hinged to each end of said side panel, a skeleton panel integrally hinged to each of said end panel sections, each of said skeleton panels presenting a handle core section, a leg extension and spaced hinging segments projecting downwardly from the handle core section, one of said skeleton panels having a series of inclined cross partition straps respectively hinged at the upper ends thereof by vertical extending scores to the leg extension and hinging segments extending downwardly from its handle core section and respectively hinged at the lower ends thereof by vertical extending scores to spaced hinging tabs projecting upwardly from a connecting band, said second skeleton panel having a series of inclined cross partition straps respectively hinged at the upper ends thereof by vertically extending scores to hinging segments projecting downwardly from the handle core section thereof, a connecting band secured to the inside face of the adjacent side panel and presenting upwardly projecting hinging tabs integrally hinged to the lower ends of all but one of said cross partition straps, a side wall liner flap hinged to the upper edge of the side panel and having a cross partition strap portion integrally hinged to a side edge thereof and designed to be adhesively secured in overlapped relation to said cross partition strap not integrally hinged to the connecting band of said second skeleton panel when the carrier is assembled, and a handle facing flap integrally hinged at one end thereof to an end edge of one of the adjacent skeleton panels and designed to be secured in overlapping relation to the handle core sections of both of said skeleton panels when the carrier is assembled.

16. A multi-cell article carrier forming blank which includes, a bottom panel, a side panel integrally hinged to a side edge of the bottom panel, an end panel section integrally hinged to each end of said side panel, a first skeleton panel integrally hinged to one of said end panel sections, a first center partition panel, a second center partition panel having a handle core section integrally hinged to the other end panel section, a second skeleton panel, said first and second skeleton panels each presenting a handle core section, a leg extension and spaced hinge segments extending downwardly from the handle core section thereof, and a series of inclined cross partition straps integrally hinged at the upper ends thereof by spaced vertical extending scores to the leg extension and respective hinge segments of its handle core section, said first center partition panel being integrally hinged to the lower end of the leg extension associated with said first skeleton panel and said second center partition panel being integrally hinged to the lower end of the leg extension associated with said second skeleton panel, and a handle facing flap integrally hinged at one end thereof to an end edge of one of said panels and designed to be secured in overlapping relation to the handle core sections associated with said first skeleton panel and said second center partition panel when the carrier is assembled.

17. A multi-cell article carrier forming blank which includes, a bottom panel, a side panel integrally hinged to a side edge of the bottom panel, an end panel section integrally hinged to each end of said side panel, a first skeleton panel integrally hinged to one of said end panel sections, a first center partition panel, a second center partition panel having a handle core section integrally hinged to the other end panel section, a second skeleton panel, said first and second skeleton panels each presenting a handle core section, a leg extension and spaced hinge segments extending downwardly from the handle core section thereof, and a series of inclined cross partition straps integrally hinged at the upper ends thereof by spaced vertical extending scores to the leg extension and respecttive hinge segments of its handle core section and integrally hinged at the lower ends thereof to hinging tabs designed to be secured to the inside face of the adjacent side panel, certain of said hinging tabs being integral with and projecting upwardly from a pair of connecting bands designed to be secured to the inside face of the side panel, said first center partition panel being integrally hinged to the lower end of the leg extension associated with said first skeleton panel and said second center partition panel being integrally hinged to the lower end of the leg extension associated with said second skeleton panel, and a handle facing flap integrally hinged at one end thereof to an end edge of one of said panels and designed to be secured in overlapping relation to the handle core sections associated with said first skeleton panel and said second center partition panel when the carrier is assembled.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,634,043 Arneson Apr. 7, 1953 2,660,361 Tyrseck Nov. 24, 1953 2,687,232 Arneson Aug. 24, 1954 2,688,421 Forrer Sept. 7, 1954 2,696,942 Ringler Dec. 14, 1954 2,717,098 Arneson Sept. 6, 1955 

